If your finger catches, locks, or clicks when you bend it—or if you have to physically straighten it with your other hand—you may have trigger finger. It’s one of the most common conditions I treat as a hand surgeon serving Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and the greater Phoenix area. The medical term is stenosing tenosynovitis, and while the name sounds complicated, the condition is straightforward: the tendon that bends your finger gets caught on a thickened pulley at

Severe hand injuries—from machinery accidents, burns, crush injuries, degloving injuries, or deep infections—sometimes result in significant skin loss that cannot be closed with stitches alone. In these cases, a skin graft is needed to provide coverage, protect underlying structures, and allow the hand to heal properly. As a fellowship-trained hand surgeon in Phoenix, I perform skin grafting procedures for patients with complex hand wounds, and I want you to understand what t

A nerve injury in the hand or wrist can result in numbness, loss of sensation, weakness, or inability to move certain fingers. These injuries are most commonly caused by lacerations (cuts from glass, knives, or machinery), but can also result from fractures, crush injuries, or stretch injuries. Nerve repair is one of the most technically demanding areas of hand surgery, requiring microsurgical expertise and careful postoperative management. How Nerves Work in the Hand Three m

A broken hand or wrist can happen to anyone—from a fall on an outstretched hand, a sports injury, a car accident, or even a misstep on one of our Arizona hiking trails. Hand and wrist fractures are among the most common injuries I treat as a hand surgeon in Phoenix, and getting the right treatment early makes all the difference in how well your hand heals and functions long-term. Types of Hand and Wrist Fractures The hand and wrist contain 27 bones, and a fracture can occur i

A hand and finger infection are both a true hand emergency. What may start as a small cut, puncture wound, or animal bite can quickly become a serious surgical problem if not treated promptly. The hand’s complex anatomy—with tendons, tendon sheaths, joints, and tight compartments—means infections can spread rapidly and cause permanent damage to critical structures. As a hand surgeon serving the Phoenix metro—including Peoria, Goodyear, Buckeye, and the West Valley—I treat han

You’ve noticed a bump on your wrist or hand. It appeared seemingly out of nowhere, it may change size, and you’re wondering whether you should be worried. If this sounds familiar, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a ganglion cyst—the most common soft tissue mass in the hand and wrist. As a hand surgeon in Phoenix, I see ganglion cysts almost every day in my office. Here’s what you need to know about them, when treatment is needed, and what your options are. What Is a

If you’ve noticed thick cords or nodules developing in your palm, or if one or more fingers are gradually curling toward your palm and you can’t straighten them, you may have Dupuytren’s contracture. This progressive condition of the hand fascia can significantly impact your ability to grip objects, shake hands, put on gloves, or lay your hand flat on a table. As a hand surgeon serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, I treat Dupuytren’s contracture regularly and offer multiple

If you’re experiencing sharp pain on the thumb side of your wrist—especially when gripping, pinching, or turning your wrist—you may have De Quervain’s tendonitis. Sometimes called "mommy thumb" or "gamer’s thumb," this condition involves inflammation of the tendons that control thumb movement where they pass through a tight tunnel at the wrist. What Is De Quervain’s Tendonitis? De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation and swelling of the first dorsal compartment of the wri

If you’re waking up at night with numb, tingling fingers or dropping things because your grip has weakened, you may be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome—one of the most common conditions treated by hand surgeons. The good news: carpal tunnel release is one of the most successful surgeries in all of medicine, with the vast majority of patients experiencing significant or complete relief. As a fellowship-trained hand surgeon serving patients across the Phoenix metropolitan ar

Hand injuries can be debilitating, affecting not just the ability to perform daily tasks but also impacting overall quality of life. When faced with such challenges, finding the right specialist is crucial. Enter Dr. Todd Richards, a leading hand surgeon known for his expertise and compassionate care. In this post, we will explore Dr. Richards' background, his approach to treatment, and the innovative techniques he employs to help his patients regain functionality and comfort

Recovering from hand surgery can be a challenging journey, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can significantly improve your recovery experience. Whether you are undergoing carpal tunnel release, tendon repair, or any other hand procedure, understanding how to navigate the recovery process is crucial. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve a successful recovery. Understand Your Surgery Before diving into recovery tips, it’s important to understand the sp

Hand injuries are a common occurrence that can significantly impact daily life. Whether you are an athlete, a manual laborer, or simply someone who uses their hands frequently, understanding the types of injuries that can occur and how to treat them is essential. This blog post will explore various hand injuries, their symptoms, and effective treatment options to help you recover and regain full functionality. Types of Hand Injuries Hand injuries can be categorized into sever